Mid-Winter Blues Cures

I’m always cold. Always. I’ve been graced with a particularly odd illness which causes multiple fingers of mine to turn white so that they resemble those of a dead person, or a member of the Adam’s Family. I’ve been known (yesterday case in point) to have ALL ten fingers void of blood circulation. The only cure being really hot water.

So obviously winter is not my favorite season. But I don’t hate it. I love the pretty white snow, the twinkling Christmas lights, the family and friends during the holiday, and the allowance to drink as much red wine as your teeth (and lips) can handle. Skiing, sledding, hot toddies, sweaters, cozy socks, all aren’t bad too.

But, it’s around this time of year when things begin to feel and look … well, a little blue. Mood included. On the eve of February first, (the most dreadful month of all) I find myself in need of a jolt of sunny weather, a summer cocktail, and a little bit of spice. With a lack of money, layers, and sheer will-power to venture out into the single digit winds New York seems to be cradling, I opt for a Sunday in.

I love how people love when you invite them over for dinner. “Do you want to go get dinner tonight?” I check the weather … um, 14 degrees WITHOUT windchill … um, “Why don’t you come over here and I’ll cook!?”

“Oh my God that sounds FABULOUS! I’ll bring the wine!”

Signed, sealed, delivered. Not only did you just impress your guest, but you don’t have to leave home. Stop. Don’t rush out to the grocery store and buy things to make. Remember, the point is to not have to leave the warm comforts of your home. You can literally make something out of nothing, guaranteed.

So what do I have?

Well for one, a guest who thinks she’s an adventurous eater but she’s really not, craving foods mostly from the Mediterranean region and preferring to keep her wine bubbly and her desserts chocolate. So I already know what’s she’s bringing to drink, Prosecco. I already know what she’s craving, little bits of a bunch of different things.

So tapas, appetizers dinner here we come!

I have pita bread, goat cheese, garlic, an assortment of winter veggies, ground beef, greek yogurt, roasted red peppers, hummus, sun dried tomatoes, and an assortment of random pantry staples.

I’m going to make a goat cheese pizza with roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and hummus on top a whole wheat pita. Maybe I’ll top that with a little bit of lemoned and olive oiled greens.

A side of roasted broccolli rabe with lots of garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.

A great piece of fresh bread I purchased this morning (while I was out …).

And mini meatballs filled with salt, pepper, oregano, red wine, roasted garlic, and a little bit of panko. These will have two sides, a mint yogurt sauce with garlic and a classic tomato sauce.

These things and lots of red wine …

Did I mention one of the perks of it being winter? Pictures posted soon …